“This is a remarkable achievement considering that just over three years ago, the airline emerged from business rescue with just six aircraft,” remarked interim CEO John Lamola.

The newly acquired A320s join SAA’s existing fleet of A330s and A340-300s, supporting the airline’s strategic growth efforts. “Since 2021, the team at SAA has worked strategically and consistently to grow the fleet and route network to add seat capacity in the domestic and regional market, thereby contributing to the affordability of air travel,” Lamola explained.

SAA’s recovery is underscored by a reported net profit of £11 million for the 2022–2023 financial year, achieved with a fleet of only six to eight aircraft. This milestone set the stage for the airline’s prudent expansion strategy, which has since doubled its operational capacity. An additional five aircraft are expected to join the fleet in 2025, with seven more planned for delivery during the 2025–2026 financial year.

Lamola emphasised that SAA is now in a “period of consolidation of the current route network and fleet strategy, looking to the next phase of quantum growth.”

The announcement of the expanded fleet coincides with SAA’s launch of a new service between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Additionally, services to Harare, Zimbabwe, and Lusaka, Zambia, have been increased to 12 weekly flights from 10 and 7, respectively.

Despite challenges such as supply chain disruptions and increased costs of acquiring second-hand aircraft, the lease agreement with AerCap reflects SAA’s strengthened financial standing. “Securing these two aircraft is proof of the recovery of the airline’s credit status with major international aviation finance institutions,” concluded Lamola.

With fleet growth and route expansions underway, SAA is poised for continued progress, reaffirming its role as a key player in regional and domestic aviation.